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Thread: Photographing Bioluminescence

  1. #1
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    Photographing Bioluminescence



    I just got a call from an ad agency asking me if I could shoot kayakers going down a canal and capture thebioluminescent trail around/behind them.


    Anyone done this before? Any suggestions (Daniel)?


    Shooting 5Dmk2, have all the 2.8 zooms, 24 1.4L and 50 1.4.

  2. #2
    Administrator Sean Setters's Avatar
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    Re: Photographing Bioluminescence



    Wow, that does sound challenging. I'm thinking a split ND filter might help, as you're going to have to use a relatively long shutter speed to really capture the bioluminescent trail. Also possibly a gridded(or maybe barn-doored or simply flagged) off-camera flash set to rear-curtain sync to capture the kayakers but control the light-spillage elsewhere. Else, consider a bracketed shot and combining in post (if you're shooting from behind the kayakers, especially).


    I look forward to seeing the other suggestions...

  3. #3
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    Re: Photographing Bioluminescence



    That does sound challenging. But challenges are fun[]


    That could be it...


    Sean, you inspired me with the bracketed-exposure idea. Why don't you run two exposures - One using a few lights (flash, whatever) to get the kayakers exposed properly, and one with a longer exposure (10, 20, 30 sec(?)) to get the bioluminescence. Then merge the exposures in Photoshop or Photomatix as an HDR.


    This is a really rough idea, but maybe it could help you out.


    - Alex

  4. #4
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    Re: Photographing Bioluminescence



    Thanks Sean.


    So far I'm planning on gridding an off-camera 580II or 2 and adding a gel to match glow. Rear shutter definitely.


    It will be a show up and figure it out quick shoot. I'm hoping to hear from the AD shortly so I can determine the shot (wide/tight) he/she is envisioning.I'm not sure if they want to capture the trail or just the glow around them.I have no idea what the terrain is throwing at me.

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